The science of storytelling: PCST 2018

Stories simplify communication. Through emotional connection and simple language, stories can make complex information relatable – resulting in dialogue and transformation. To share experiences in storytelling and to gain insight from other communicators and researchers, Jive Media Africa presented a number of papers at the Public Communication of Science and Technology Conference 2018 which took place in Dunedin, New Zealand. Jive Media Africa’s work in this area includes comics, music and film among others, bringing researchers and the public together through...

Talking science? FameLab 2018 is here!

How can researchers change the world? Only by sharing their ideas with audiences outside of their disciplines. The FameLab competition creates opportunities for researchers to develop public presentation skills. Find out how you can get involved. “I was very humbled by the opportunity to come here for the very first time in my life to meet wonderful people and extremely good scientists. I got to hear what everybody else in the world is doing. FameLab has been an amazing journey from the beginning to the end.” – Tshiamo Legoale, a South African Geologist...

Put your audience in the picture: Why co...

Reaching large audiences with important information is a challenge faced by many government departments. Carefully considered policies can fail at implementation if key audiences remain disengaged. This was the difficulty faced by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs when engaging stakeholders about the Biodiversity Economy. The Biodiversity Economy presents opportunities for people to improve their lives and create wealth from nature, whilst ensuring its sustainability for future generations. The DEA recognised the power of storytelling through comics and...

Pioneering work in community engagement

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) lives the spirit of ‘engaged research’ at their Sweetwaters office in kwaMpumuza, South Africa. Jive Media Africa is proud to have produced a film that showcases the HSRC’s Sweetwaters site. Here, in the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the HSRC undertakes ground-breaking research and society-led development efforts from within the Mpumuza community. The film serves as a communication tool which the HSRC can use to help them share their experiences and learnings with the wider research community. “Thanks Jive Media! It was a lot...

Amazwi Ethu – Speaking Back – Community ...

Community Engagement is a key aspect of the work of the Human Sciences Research Council’s Sweetwaters office. The research centre is situated in the peri-urban Vulindlela District and undertakes social science research on a range of issues affecting local communities. The learnings from these communities can be further shared and applied in other settings. In order to better understand the needs of this community, the HSRC Sweetwaters office embarked on a photovoice project. Photovoice is a participatory action research strategy primarily used...

Science Rocks! Engaging through music

Science Spaza, an initiative of Jive Media Africa, recently celebrated National Science Week with learners from the Science Spaza club at Zibukezulu Technical High School. The theme for this year was “Science Rocks!”, a response to the National Science Week theme of Science for Sustainable Tourism. There are numerous tourism sites in South Africa related to rocks – because they can tell us such wonderful stories. So we we explored three aspects of science relating to rocks: palaeontology, archaeology and geology. Learners were introduced to these science...

Research Engagement Through Community Ra...

Researchers are engaging the public on the #ScienceOfSex through community radio – and they are doing so at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) Directors Forum to showcase the centre’s commitment to reaching the public with research. Jive Media Africa has provided strategic communications support and media production services to assist with setting up the recording, and mobilising audiences to pose questions to be answered by the health researchers. The broadcast took place at Nelson Mandela University in the Eastern Cape. Over the two days of the forum, four radio shows on...

The science of hope

A palpable chemistry fills the East Rand township of Tsakane as 60 young scientists from 40 countries congregate with enthusiastic young South Africans. The purpose of this meeting? To explore strategies for science outreach and engagement. The result? Inspiration, hope and valuable new perspectives on old challenges. It is a typical winter day on the East Rand and dodging potholes on dusty streets en route from their conference venue fills 60 young scientists with a sense of uncertainty. However, upon arrival at the African School for Excellence, the excitement is...